OECD Requires Reforms in Korean Telecom Sector

The Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development(OECD) has reportedly required that the Ministry of Information and Communication sharply relaxes regulations.
The Ministry announced on June 16 that the OECD delegates investigating regulations in the telecommunication sector, who visited Korea last week, insisted that 'Korea is one of the most regulatory countries in the OECD.'
Notably, the delegates pointed out the regulations on mobile phones, saying 'No other country in the OECD regulates cell phone calling charges.'
Regarding the government's decision to forcibly abolish company subsidies on cell phones, a source in the Ministry said, 'OECD staff pinpoint that this violates the autonomous rights of corporations.' The source added that the delegates will require reforms of these policies in their final report to be released late this year.
OECD staff also raised a question on the selection process of the mobile ultra-speed Internet service companies.
To charge newly- selected corporations a fee while Korea Telecom and Hanaro Telecom are selected with no charge is typical of the unfair trade, the delegates said.
The delegates will distribute the 'regulatory reform report' throughout the world late this year, after one more visit to Korea to hear from the government next month. The report affects OECD policy in the relevant country.
Jooan Kang : jooan@joongang.co.kr